Halfpenny discharged from hospital

Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny was discharged from hospital on Sunday, following scans at University Hospital Wales.

The Cardiff Blues No.15 was taken from the pitch in the final moments of Wales' match against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, complaining of neck pain.

A try in the corner by Australian playmaker Kurtley Beale with 20 seconds left on the clock condemned Wales to a dramatic 12-14 defeat on Saturday.

The loss meant that Wales, the current Grand Slam champions and World Cup semifinalists, were forced out of the top-eight seeds for the 2015 World Cup, the draw for which takes place on Monday.

However, far more concerning for the Welsh was the injury suffered by Halfpenny, who was immediately admitted to hospital to exclude any serious neck injury, a process which thankfully has now been concluded.

"I want to say thank you to all of the medical teams who have looked after me following my injury yesterday [Saturday]," Halfpenny said.

"The paramedics, WRU and Millennium Stadium medical teams were outstanding. All of the staff at University Hospital Wales were also amazing.

"Everyone has been so supportive and the care that I have had has been incredibly professional and second to none. I'd also like to thank all of those who have been sending me messages of support following the injury."

Halfpenny will now undertake a period of treatment and rehabilitation to ensure that a swift return to play is undertaken.